2008 Goodguys Colorado Nationals - Mile-High Motorin'

There's a first time for everything, and my first trip to the Goodguys show in Loveland, Colorado, ranks right up there with the best of 'em! I love the Rocky Mountains, having grown up on the western side of them, and it was good to get out of the hustle and bustle of Southern California and breathe some fresh mountain air.

Loveland is a budding small town about 60 miles north of Denver and is surrounded by farms, but there is a decent amount of hotels, restaurants, and shopping, so one doesn't need to venture far from the Larimer County Fairgrounds where the show was held to satisfy their needs. The weather over the weekend was absolutely beautiful, with a slight breeze and plenty of comfortable dry, high-altitude air, which is refreshing for all those who came from the often hot and muggy Midwest.

Early attendees were welcomed Thursday night to Pinkee's Rod Shop in the nearby town of Windsor for its open-house party, where we were free to eat, bench race, and check out all the top-notch projects it has in the works. About half of the nearly 3,000 total entrants rolled into the show on Friday from all over the country. Colorado seemed like a good middle ground for those who can't make it to the big shows in the South and Midwest and was also a good spot for people from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho to mingle with those living east of the Continental Divide.

Saturday was absolutely packed and soon spilled out into the various parking lots surrounding the interior of the grounds. With a good number of trucks on hand, it was tough picking our Finest Five winners, but somehow we managed.

Old town Loveland was a great place to go to in the evening and scout out some grub. I don't know about you, but when I'm out of town I like to avoid going to a chain restaurant that I can eat at back home. I found what may be the best steak I've ever put in my mouth at the 4th Street Chop House, but if you're in the mood for something a bit more low-key, across the street was Ragin' Ryan's restaurant and bar that had a great traditional country band playing the likes of Buck Owens and Hank Williams.

All in all, I'd say the show was a huge success, with plenty of entrants, including many high-end builds, past and future cover cars and trucks, spectators, vendors, a decent swap meet, and nice scenery. Go to www.good-guys.com and plan your trip for next year's show today!